Swansboro – September 1, 2016
Rob, of Sandbar Safari Charters, reports that the large number of shrimp in the area has the trout and black drum feeding heavily around creek mouths and grass flats behind the barrier islands. Live shrimp under a popping cork or on a Carolina rig is the best way to tempt bites from both of these crustacean lovers. Fishing moving water with noticeable current rips will increase an angler’s chances of hooking into a hungry speckled trout waiting for bait to wash by.
Large reds are still being caught under docks and bridges on the ICW. Most of these reds are over-slot fish that are taking interest in finger mullet and peanut menhaden on Carolina rigs. Smaller slot and rat reds are feeding throughout the marshes of Bogue Sound, where they can be found feeding near oyster beds, mud flats, and grass banks. Topwater plugs are best in the mornings and late afternoons due to the heat, but anglers can tempt bites using live baits, soft plastics on jig heads, and gold spoons throughout the day.
Anglers venturing past the inlet are finding great numbers of spanish mackerel. Trolling #00-#1 Clarkspoons behind #1 planers or 2-3 oz. trolling weights are putting more fish in the boat than anything else; however, most of the spanish are smaller (14-18”) class fish. The larger 5+ lb. fish are being caught by slow trolling or drifting live baits on scaled down king rigs. Nearshore reefs, wrecks, ledges, and live bottoms are providing most of the action, but anglers should keep an eye out for birds feeding in order to locate moving schools of fish.
Edgar Mangum, of Emerald Isle, with a gaffer mahi he caught while fishing 15 miles off the coast with Capt. Rick Gammo
Jonathan, of OnPoint Fishing Charters, reports that the inshore red drum bite has been providing plenty of action for anglers fishing in Bogue Sound. Mixed in with the reds are fair numbers of speckled trout that are feeding on the same schools of mullet, small peanut menhaden, and shrimp. Live shrimp or mud minnows under a popping cork will tempt bites from both the reds and trout when fished near grass banks and marsh drop offs, and topwater plugs are working early and late in the day when the sun isn’t at full force.
Large spanish mackerel and small kings are being caught just off the beach where they are feeding on the large schools of glass minnows in 20-40’ of water. Casting shiny jigs like Stingsilvers, Epoxy Jigs, or small Gotcha plugs is one of the easiest and most fun ways to put plenty of spanish in the boat. Slow trolling live baits like menhaden, large mullet, or cigar minnows will also tempt bites from the large citation-class spanish (with some kings mixed in).
Cody Holliday, of Wilmington, with a 27.5 speckled trout caught on a size 11 chartreuse Skitterwalk. He was fishing with Capt. Matt Littleton of Friendly City Fishing Charters.
Rich, of The Reel Outdoors, reports that the wahoo bite has been excellent recently in the 45-50 mile range, particularly in the area of the Swansboro Hole, but any structure past the break should be holding fish. The mahi bite has slowed down considerably, though, due to all of the hot water that keeps the schools scattered. Watching for temperature breaks, rips, weedlines, and other floating structure is the best way to find areas that are ideal for holding fish.
Sailfish are being caught from the 15 mile range out to the Stream. They will take interest in a variety of artificial trolling lures, but a small naked ballyhoo is normally their favorite meal.
The nearshore flounder fishing has been consistent, with anglers reporting success fishing 3 oz. Spro bucktails tipped with a 4” white or new penny Gulp shrimp. Carolina rigs baited with live mullet or peanut menhaden have also been effective both inshore and offshore. AR-342, South East Bottom, and the Keypost Rocks have been popular hotspots, but any nearshore structure like wrecks, ledges, or any live bottom should have a few flounder nearby.
Surf zone anglers have been reporting the typical late summer catches of scattered red and black drum as well as some small flounder. Fish finder rigs baited with live or cut baits like mullet, menhaden, or small croakers are excellent for connecting with reds and flounder. Fresh shrimp on a double drop bottom rig will tempt bites from black drum and any other crustacean loving bottom feeder (like sea mullet, croaker, spots, and bluefish).
Bobby, of Teezher Charters, reports that anglers venturing out to the Gulf Stream are being rewarded with a mixed bag of species, including large numbers of wahoo, blackfin tuna, mahi, and scattered sailfish. Large numbers of weedlines have been spotted recently, and almost all of them are holding fish, especially bailer mahi. Trolling naked and skirted ballyhoo, as well as a variety of artificial trolling lures, near weedlines, rips, temp breaks, and underwater structure in 180’-200’ of water has been putting plenty of fish in the boat.
Offshore bottom fishing has been excellent recently, with grouper moving into the 10 mile range. Anglers have been reporting success using Carolina rigs and bucktails tipped with squid, cigar minnows, pinfish, and mullet in areas like Jerry’s Reef and surrounding live bottom. Trolling menhaden and ballyhoo on dead bait rigs on planers or downriggers has also been particularly successful.
Mike, of Bogue Inlet Pier, reports that anglers are catching large spanish mackerel from the end of the pier on live bait rigs and Gotcha plugs early and late in the day. Anglers soaking baits on the bottom have been hooking large numbers of black drum, sea mullet, croakers, and the occasional red drum. Fresh shrimp, squid, and live baits like mullet or mud minnows are fooling this mixed bag of species.
The water is 82 degrees.
